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+--- Thread: Thoughts on Distiller's Edition scotch? (/thread-20524.html)
- TheEngineer - 11-03-2009
Any fans out there of Distiller's Edition, double matured vintage dated scotch? I've been noticing these in my duty free perusals and they are not much more expensive than the standard bottles but not sure if they are worth the small premium. cost around the same at 12-15year stuff but is much cheaper than the 21 year old stuff (and I can't believe the prices of the 30 year old stuff....).
- hotwine - 11-03-2009
If you're a scotch fan, check out the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society. Their home is in Edinburgh, but they have a U.S. chapter. For a $200 signing fee and modest annual dues ($35 or so), you can get the absolute finest scotch available. I've not joined.... yet ..... but am still enjoying a bottle of single malt, single cask that friends in Edinburgh gave me a couple of years ago. No name, just a serial number for the cask. Incredible! You can find 'em with Google. The stuff is available in different styles, so you would need too specify what you're looking for.
- winoweenie - 11-03-2009
The only time I chippy on me red grape juice is with Highland Park. The 12 is delicious but the 18 is killer, but very pricey. Will pick up my annual bottle of the 18 after return from Rocky Point. WW
- Kcwhippet - 11-03-2009
Mike, You have to get into the shop a bit more often. The Distiller's Editions are from six distilleries owned by United Distillers (which is owned by Diageo). The group is called collectively the Classic Malts. The Distiller's Editions are from 10 to 16 years old (depending on the distillery) and are finished in different used sherry casks. If you've had Aberlour or Macallan 12, which are also finished in sherry, you'll notice the same bit of sweetness and nuttiness. To me it's a bit offputting to taste the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, because it's a 16 yo Islay, and personally I don't care for the sherry component intruding into a smoky, peaty malt. Of the six, I prefer Glenkinchie, Talisker and Cragganmore.
- TheEngineer - 11-04-2009
Ah Thanks KC for the explanation. I agree, I've got to get to your store before the end of the year. I got home tonight to change close and re-pack. Leaving tomorrow to go to Lovely Edmonton Alberta. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
I was wondering why they all had the same logo design on the box (those four little squares). Sounds a bit gimmicky to me. I agree I want an Islay to taste like an Islay. I've also noticed that Caol Ila had a Distillers Edition as well (that was the one that I bought, along with a 1993 Taliskers and a 1995 Oban).
Cross border purchase of choice so far has been the 1988 Remy Martin Vintage Premier Cru. A rather unique (key word for perhaps not everyone's cup of tea) cognac. Less Caramelly than the regular XO's, more lithe and a bit austere. More focused and lighter but man the focus. Not my fav but it is a very different and interesting drink.
Thanks for the heads up on the Scotch lover's group! I'll look this up.
WW, I agree on the Highland Park 18. Duty free is actually a bit more approachable at $66 per bottle.
[This message has been edited by TheEngineer (edited 11-03-2009).]